Missouri health department receiving $19M+ in federal pandemic aid

The Missouri Division of Well being and Senior Companies is receiving greater than $19.1 million from the Federal Emergency Administration Company, based on a Friday announcement from FEMA.

Individually, the state can be utilizing federal Coronavirus Help, Aid and Financial Safety Act funding to increase fast COVID-19 saliva testing know-how.

The FEMA cash for reimbursing eligible COVID-19 response effort bills is being supplied by means of a FEMA grant program — accessible due to the foremost catastrophe declaration permitted for Missouri on March 26 by President Donald Trump.

The Public Help Program grants have the federal authorities decide up 75 % of coated bills.

DHSS’ federal grant will assist reimburse prices of offering private protecting gear — masks, gloves, goggles, robes — to important staff statewide, in addition to ventilators for sufferers. The prices had been incurred between Jan. 20 and Aug. 12 and complete greater than $25.5 million.

Washington College in St. Louis can be receiving greater than $1.1 million from FEMA to pay for PPE and medical provides.

Washington College and San Francisco-based biotechnology firm Fluidigm Company partnered to develop a fast saliva check that in August obtained emergency approval by the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration.

Gov. Mike Parson introduced this week the state had bought 4 machines wanted for the saliva checks, and they might be distributed regionally — one every for the southwest, southeast and central areas and Kansas Metropolis, along with the machine already at Washington College.

The machines from Fluidigm collectively price greater than $878,000. Coupled with set up, post-warranty upkeep prices and coaching, the entire involves greater than $1 million, based on figures from Parson’s workplace.

Kelli Jones, communications director of Parson’s workplace, mentioned CARES Act cash was used.